The NBA season is fast approaching, and with it comes renewed excitement about the league's most prominent stars and intriguing storylines. As teams prepare for the grind of the 82-game season, several key players, some seasoned veterans and others in the prime of their careers, are capturing the limelight. At the forefront of these narratives are LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Jimmy Butler, among others, whose recent performances and team dynamics set the stage for an exhilarating season.
The Ageless LeBron James
At 39 years old, LeBron James is defying the odds and rewriting the record books with his unprecedented achievements. Recently, James not only became the oldest player to secure an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players, but he was also named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics – a testament to his enduring excellence and global impact. "Sure, it's unreasonable to expect the impending quadragenarian to be the NBA's best player over the course of an 82-game season anymore, but make no mistake, in a smaller sample, there still might not be a single player in all of basketball that inspires more fear in his opponents than LeBron James," as Sam Quinn aptly puts it.
James' lauded performance in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament further cemented his legacy, proving that his competitive edge and leadership remain unparalleled even as he approaches 40.
Durant's Dominance
Kevin Durant, now 35, continues to awe fans and critics alike with his exceptional play. Ranked 9th in the latest Top 100, Durant posted impressive averages of 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists last season, shooting 41% from beyond the arc. "Durant remains pretty close to the height of his powers. Last season he averaged 27-6-5 on 41% 3-point shooting... Durant was the best isolation scorer in basketball last season," notes Brad Botkin.
Durant's 75-game stint last season underscores his durability and enduring prowess on the court. His high ranking manifests his significant contributions and remains a hopeful beacon for his team’s aspirations.
Curry's Consistency
At 36 years old, Stephen Curry's enduring influence and exceptional shooting prowess continue to be a cornerstone for his team's success. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry is still considered an offensive juggernaut. "Curry is still an offense unto himself with his inimitable movement and pure shot-making talent. At 36 years old, it's hard to see where he's declined at all offensively," states Brad Botkin. Curry’s remarkable consistency year after year underscores his critical role in shaping the modern NBA's offensive strategies.
The Indomitable Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler, now aged 35 and ranked 22nd in the Top 100, continues to be a key player for the Miami Heat. His impact is quantifiable; the Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the court last season. "Butler is what he is: A great player who paces himself in the regular season in order to produce superstar postseason stretches...The question is: Are the Heat still good enough to give Butler the opportunity to shift into his playoff gear?" comments Brad Botkin. As the Heat look to capitalize on Butler's playoff acumen, his performance will be crucial to their postseason ambitions.
The Ever-Evolving James Harden
James Harden's journey in the NBA has been nothing short of a saga. Now with the Los Angeles Clippers and aged 35, Harden is ranked 44th in the Top 100. His transition to the Clippers marks his fourth team in as many years, reflecting a career filled with both highs and transitions. Jack Maloney observes, "Harden's basketball odyssey took him to Los Angeles last season... Harden will need to take on a bigger scoring burden than he has in recent years in order for the Clippers to stay relevant in the Western Conference."
Veteran Leadership and Emerging Stars
Other notable veterans like Chris Paul and Al Horford continue to make significant contributions to their respective teams. Chris Paul, aged 39, now serves as a veteran mentor for the San Antonio Spurs and the highly touted rookie Victor Wembanyama. Al Horford, at 38, played a crucial role in Boston’s championship run, showcasing his enduring value to the team.
Paul George's move to Philadelphia also stirs interest as he seeks to bolster the 76ers' lineup. Meanwhile, players like DeMar DeRozan, Mike Conley, and Brook Lopez remain vital components of their teams, bringing both experience and skill to the court. "Conley will enter the upcoming season as one of the oldest players in the league, but he's also still one of the most valuable veterans a young team -- like the Timberwolves -- could have," praises Jasmyn Wimbish. Similarly, Sam Quinn extolls Brook Lopez, stating, "Everyone wants a Brook Lopez... there simply aren't other centers who take nothing off of the floor on either end while adding quite a bit on both."
The blend of seasoned veterans and burgeoning stars sets the stage for a thrilling NBA season. With every team vying for dominance, the impact of these key players will undoubtedly shape the narratives and outcomes of the upcoming months of basketball.